Lost in Translation—Notices From My Realtor

Mr. Kruger, Christopher

I construct a water main in the exchange from 8:30 a.m., July 30th.

Because I am from this pipe to the water supply meter, the house is fine even if it is not.

I request in the cooperation.

July 24th

[Realtor Place and Agent’s Hanko (signature stamp)]”

I found this notice stuck to my door Saturday afternoon right before the festival. Irony of all ironies, who should be handing out cold barley tea at the end of the Yamato Awa Odori festival but my realtor himself!! I went up to him in my taco hat and said, “Tanihata-san! Hello! Ma-ri Ka-ruu-ga desu!” He said, “Hai! Ahhhh, water main–!” I said, “Ah! Hai! OK!” He said, “OK!” I pointed to my tea and said, “Arigato gozaimasu! (thanks very much!)” and he smiled and nodded and I ran off.

This is where we would all marvel at it being a small world, but then I realized the parade finished right in front of the leasing office. Oh. Well there you have it.